By Emeka Chiaghanam
Former PDP spokesman, Mr Nnamdi Nwangwu, has defended former
Anambra State governor and NDC presidential hopeful, Mr Peter Obi, against
allegations that he does not support Northern Nigeria, describing the claims as
politically motivated attacks aimed at weakening the former governor’s growing
national influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking from his home in Uruagu, Nnewi, Mr Nwangwu said the
accusations did not reflect the reality of Mr Obi’s years in office as governor
of Anambra State.
According to him, people from different ethnic backgrounds were
never treated as outsiders during the Obi administration.
He recalled that members of the Hausa community living in Anambra
State enjoyed open access to the former governor and regularly interacted with
him during meetings held at the Government Lodges in Amawbia and Onitsha.
Mr Nwangwu said community leaders and residents from outside the
South-East freely attended those gatherings and were always welcomed.
“He made many people feel recognised and respected,” the former PDP
spokesman stated.
He added that the meetings were not limited to Northerners alone,
noting that Yoruba groups and citizens from other parts of Nigeria residing in
Anambra also participated in the engagements.
According to him, the interactions reflected deliberate efforts by
the former governor to build trust and peaceful coexistence among different
communities in the state, regardless of ethnic or religious identity.
Mr Nwangwu further revealed that some of the engagements led to
welfare support for vulnerable individuals and struggling families.
He claimed that financial assistance was occasionally provided to
people facing hardship, including young persons without proper care or
direction.
To him, such actions showed that Mr Obi focused on ordinary
citizens and not just political associates.
As political conversations ahead of the 2027 elections continue to
gather pace, Mr Nwangwu believes opponents of the NDC presidential candidate
are increasingly turning to ethnic narratives because they find it difficult to
challenge his public image and record in office.
In his words, the allegations against the former governor are “dead
on arrival” because many Nigerians already understand his leadership style.
Political observers in Anambra say discussions surrounding Mr Obi’s
national appeal have remained strong since he emerged as one of the country’s
most talked-about political figures.
While supporters continue to point to his performance as governor,
critics still question whether his popularity can spread evenly across every
region of the country.
However, Mr Nwangwu insisted that Mr Obi’s relationship with
Northern and Muslim communities in Anambra during his eight years in office
speaks for itself.
He maintained that regular engagement, mutual respect and peaceful
coexistence defined that period.
The former PDP spokesman also argued that no amount of political
propaganda would stop the NDC presidential hopeful from attracting support
across Nigeria.
With the race towards 2027 gradually taking shape, debates around
identity, inclusion and national unity are expected to remain central to
political discussions across the country.
And in Anambra, voices like Mr Nwangwu’s suggest that the battle
for public perception may already be underway.
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